Octocrylene 1.5%

TL;DR. This ingredient is an oil-soluble organic UV filter used mainly for UVB protection and photostabilizing other sunscreen filters. At 1.5%, it contributes modest sun-protection support rather than serving as the sole active filter.

What does Octocrylene 1.5% do in a cosmetic formula?

This ingredient is an oil-soluble organic UV filter used mainly for UVB protection and photostabilizing other sunscreen filters. At 1.5%, it contributes modest sun-protection support rather than serving as the sole active filter.

Is Octocrylene 1.5% clean?

This ingredient has clean-standard friction because of sensitization reports and scrutiny over an aromatic ketone impurity that can increase with age and heat. Many retailer clean lists restrict it or do not accept it in mineral-only sunscreen standards.

Is Octocrylene 1.5% sustainable?

This material is petrochemical-derived, oil-soluble, and not readily biodegradable. Monitoring studies report persistence in aquatic settings and uptake in marine organisms, which creates environmental concern beyond the finished-product use level.

Is Octocrylene 1.5% COSMOS-approved?

It is not permitted in COSMOS-natural or COSMOS-organic cosmetics as a synthetic UV filter outside the standard’s allowed natural or mineral approach. From a Green Chemistry lens, it scores poorly on renewable feedstock and biodegradability, despite being effective at low single-digit percentages.

How does Octocrylene 1.5% work chemically?

The molecule is a lipophilic cyanoacrylate ester with aromatic rings, designed to absorb UVB light and help stabilize more photo-labile filters in the oil phase. Global use limits vary by region, commonly up to about 10% in sunscreens, and formula quality depends on impurity control, heat exposure, packaging, and antioxidant support.

Last updated 2026-05-14